LOVE'S HIDDEN FLAME

The Game of Love and Deception

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, bathing Alex and Liam in a warm, golden glow. They lay entwined in each other's arms, their faces glowing with contentment. The memories of the previous night played in their minds, filling them with a sense of peace and love.

Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by a loud knock on the door. Liam's mother was calling out for Alex, her voice laced with suspicion. The knock broke their eye contact, and Alex quickly urged Liam to leave the room through the window.

"Quick, go out the way you came in last night," Alex whispered urgently.

Liam hesitated, not wanting to hide their renewed bond any longer. "Are you sure? I don't want to keep hiding this."

"Please, Liam. Just trust me on this one. We'll reveal everything in due time," Alex pleaded.

Reluctantly, Liam nodded and slipped out the window with a mischievous smile, which Alex overlooked. Once outside, Liam joined the growing crowd outside Alex's door. His mother, father, Veronica, and Alex's parents were all there, their faces etched with worry.

"What's going on?" Liam asked feigning concern, listening as they explained their fears about Alex's state.

"I'll knock on the door with you," Liam offered, masking his true intentions. Together, they pounded on the door, anticipation building.

Finally, Alex opened the door, startled by the sudden rush of people into his room. His mother fussed over him, checking for any harm, while the others bombarded him with questions.

"Why didn't you open the door?" his father asked, concern evident in his voice.

Before Alex could answer, everyone's attention was drawn to the marks on his neck, exposed by his mother's tugging on his clothes. The room fell silent as they stared at the hickies. Liam smirked slightly, the realization of his little revenge plan dawning on Alex.

"What happened?" Alex asked innocently, noticing everyone's shocked expressions.

Veronica stepped forward, pointing to the hickies. "What's that on your neck?"

Alex caught off guard, stammered, "Oh, those are just mosquito bites. I couldn't sleep last night and stood by the window. That's why I woke up late and didn't open the door."

His explanation was flimsy, and he knew it. No one believed him, but it was the best he could come up with on the spot. Veronica and Liam's parents exchanged glances, thinking that Alex had moved on from Liam. Alex's parents were relieved, believing their son had finally gotten over Liam.

Liam pretended to be hurt and rushed out of Alex's room without saying a word, further cementing the illusion. As he left, he could see the satisfaction on Veronica's face and the acceptance in his parents' eyes. Only he and Alex knew the truth.

In the following days, Liam ignored Alex completely in front of everyone, growing closer to Veronica. He let her touch him, even initiating contact himself. This wasn't just for show; Liam had not fully forgiven Alex for agreeing to marry Veronica. He wanted Alex to realize the gravity of his decision and to feel the sting of jealousy.

Every time Alex saw Liam and Veronica together, his heart ached. The jealousy was almost unbearable, and his wolf growled with rage, longing to tear them apart. But Alex managed to control himself, determined not to let his emotions betray him.

This went on for two days, and by the end of the second day, Alex had had enough. He needed to confront Liam and understand what was happening. He had tried calling and speaking to Liam privately, but Liam had ignored him at every turn. The sight of Liam with Veronica, smiling and touching, was driving him insane.

Desperate, Alex decided to use Liam's trick. He climbed up the window to Liam's room, determined to confront him. As he entered, he saw Liam sitting by the bed, lost in thought. The moment Liam saw Alex, a myriad of emotions crossed his face.

"Why are you doing this?" Alex demanded, his voice shaking with frustration and pain.

Liam looked at him coldly. "Doing what, Alex?"